The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-06-02

Potomac
ii being necessary 10 avoid the main roads,
which were in possession Of the enemy the
column began another spirited ride, leading
through rayines. over creeks and fences;
hut the heavens seemed 10 lend its aid, and
so the column kept its desperate pace for up
ward of four hours emerging just before
daybreak NJ a point on the Hagerstown and
Williamsport turnpike about two miles
from Williamsport. The bivouac fires Of
large camp Of the enemy were discovered
not mile distant and sounds Of men and
the rumhling of wagons in the distance were
distinctly heard as the advance OF the col
umn approached the pike.
During the brief halt in the woods the
men slusnberud IN their saddles, enjoying
Z" tired natures sweet restorer, balmy sleep,
as perfectly as though in their camp al HGr-
per's Ferry. TO the commanders OF the eX-
pedition the situation
WAS FRAUGHT WITH INTEREST
as IL was learned that the force in our front
comprised an ammunition train of nearly
100 wagons, guarded by a force OF Con-
federate infantry and cavalry numbering 800
men. This train had been captured by Gen.
Iongstreet's Corps from Gen. Pope at or near
Centeryille Va. but a few days before, and
was being rapidly moved into Virginia, the
intention being TO cross the Potomac at
Williamsport. bat two miles distant When
the head of the train came mp ii was halted
and the guard ordered to surrender, which
il did without much discussion, they dis
covering that instead of being part OF their
own force we were yeritable Nanks. The
I fn1 eft
the desperate ride OF the past few hours,
naturally led them TO regard us rs rebs
until Col. B. 4. Davis directed that the train
should turn to the right, which was the ex-
cellent pike leading to Greencastle, Pa. Had
we been promised such store OF good luck
but l2 hours before, when burying our COM
pany records in the old Arsenal grounds at
Harpers Ferry, TO prevent their ialling into
the hands OF the enemy clamoring for our
soalps from three mountain-sides, we could
not have believed il.
The column was divided so rs to efiectually
guard each wagon, and vigorous ride OF
EIGHT MILES AN HOUR
was kept mp until we reached Greencastle, at
noon OF the 18th. The good women Of that
town had been visited by portions of " Jeb
Stuarts cavalry force but two days before,
and upon the appearance OF our flying col
umn concluded that another demand upon
their unwilling hospitality would be made.
As soon. however, as they learned that we
were Nanks and no mistake we were ac-
corded the reception which we had seen given
"our friends the enemy T" so often before in
Virginia. What was such cold reserve but
moment before became in a short time the
warmest hospitality and those tired and
hungry troopers often aiterward uttered
silent prayers for the welfare of the ladies
OF Groencastle for the bountiful repast fur
nished them. Even our poor horses laughed
at the sight OF hay and oats, TO them a
luxury.
For us were spread stores of fresh bread,
butter apple-butter milk and buttermilk,
which had been to many of us forgotten
luxuries; and after such feast as we shall
never forget, we filled our haversaclSs and
saddle-bags determined that if we We're soon
10 die we ought TO 20 to our reward with
full stomachs. How refreshing TO receive
such greeting, and
UPON PENNSYLVANIA SOIL
We had not reached Greencastle before
firing was heard in our rear, occasioned by
q portion of Jeb Stuart's force, who had
attempted 4 recapture Of our train. Col. b.
i, Davis, however, soon had them driven
back, and deeming ii unsafe 20 remain longer,
the 12th ILL., Cav. took charge of The captured
train and delivered it TO cur authorities at
Chambcrsburg. The Military Commission,
sitting in Washington in September and
October, 1862, referring to this affair, said :
The Commission regard this escape Of the
cavalry as being worthy Of great commenda-
ti0n to the officers conducting the samen
The Sth n. Y. Cav returned southwark,
reaching the field of Antietam early on the
18th, just as the ambulance bearing the
wounded Gen. Hooker had left the field.
Col. b. Il. Davis reported to Gen. Doubleday,
who gave him a most cordial greeting and
the regiment was engaged in rallyng some
green troops who had fallen back from the
disastrous effects of a rebel battery planted
IN our immediate front. 1t has been since
stated upon good authority that the escape
of the cavalry from HarpeT's Ferry and the
capture OF the train referred 10, induced the
War Department to order Gen. Mcclellan to
make an immediate attack on Lees army
which resulted in the memorable hattie OF
Antietam.
OFFICIAL RECORD OF COL. DAVIS
iNorE.-since the preparation OF this article !
have received from Gen. Sheridan may his tribe
incTease the following statement Of thc military
services Of Col. B. j.. Davis, compiled from the
records Of the War Department
lie born in Alabama, December, 1881. and
appointed a. Cadet al the Il y Military Academy
Juiy !, 1850 lie was graduated July ], 1854 aud
appointed Brevet Second Lieutenant 9th II. = Inf.
was promoted Second Lieutenant, lst Dragons
March 3, 1853; First Lieutenant, Jan. o. 1850; Cap
tain. july 30 1901 lhegiment changed 10 ist Cav
Aug. 3, ls5l)
Be served Lieutenant Colonel, lst Cal. Cav
from Aug l9 20 Nov. 4, 1851, aud wns appointed
Colonel. sta N. " Cav. june %. 1862. BrevetteC
Major sept 49, 1862 for meritoriOus services n tht
withdrawal OF the cavalry force from Harper
Perry. Va.
he joined his regiment 18th T. s. inf in October
1884, aud served with n Ia TeNas and New AieAic,
10 May. 1850 and la California 20 November 1901
with hs regiment la the Army Of the Potomac q
June, lbb2 being engaged ln the siege Of York
town and battle Of Williamsburg, Va: command
ing the sih y y. Cav. Ia camp al Relay House Md.
Ia August 1862; ln the campaign tMaryland) Sep
tember to November. 1852, being engaged in thi
defense of liarper's Ferry, Va. sept. l2-I4 IsG2
from which he cut his way through the enemy
lines, and reached Grecncasiie Pa, Sept Is, lsG2
in the happthannock campaign. being engaged b
several slslrmisles, December, 1862 10 June, 1863
aud the battle Of Beverly Ford Va. June o. ls6a
where he was killed willie commanding "A cnyalrl
brigade. which command hc had held from dc
cemDcf i5 1862. lie was specially commended b
Gen. George Stoneman aud Capt H. O.. Gibson 10
gallant conduct al Williamsburg, Va.
USED 100000 BOTTLES
La H. NOHtls-Ilielly Sensational.
To Che Grand 1Tmg BDyg.